For the third year in a row, the Savannah Ghost Pirates’ NHL affiliate is skating away with hockey’s top prize and this time, there’s a local tie to the celebration.The Florida Panthers clinched the Stanley Cup Wednesday night with a commanding 5-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers, winning the series and securing back-to-back titles. Among those celebrating on the ice was former Ghost Pirates goaltender Evan Cormier, who was part of Florida’s roster throughout the playoff run.Cormier, 27, didn’t appear in an NHL game during the regular season or postseason but served as the Panthers’ third-string goalie after recording 17 wins with Savannah during the ECHL season. Cormier was right in the thick of the celebration Wednesday night, hoisting the Stanley Cup with his teammates after the win.Cormier is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Ghost Pirates head coach Jared Staal said the team would love to see him return. Cormier’s journey from Savannah to the NHL playoffs is another example of the development pipeline flowing through the Hostess City. The Ghost Pirates’ winning connection doesn’t stop with the Panthers. Their AHL affiliate, the Charlotte Checkers, is currently competing for the Calder Cup, with several former Savannah players playing key roles in the postseason push.If they win, Savannah could soon be celebrating another championship in the hockey ranks.

SUNRISE, Fla. —

For the third year in a row, the Savannah Ghost Pirates’ NHL affiliate is skating away with hockey’s top prize and this time, there’s a local tie to the celebration.

The Florida Panthers clinched the Stanley Cup Wednesday night with a commanding 5-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers, winning the series and securing back-to-back titles. Among those celebrating on the ice was former Ghost Pirates goaltender Evan Cormier, who was part of Florida’s roster throughout the playoff run.

Cormier, 27, didn’t appear in an NHL game during the regular season or postseason but served as the Panthers’ third-string goalie after recording 17 wins with Savannah during the ECHL season. Cormier was right in the thick of the celebration Wednesday night, hoisting the Stanley Cup with his teammates after the win.

Cormier is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Ghost Pirates head coach Jared Staal said the team would love to see him return.

Cormier’s journey from Savannah to the NHL playoffs is another example of the development pipeline flowing through the Hostess City.

The Ghost Pirates’ winning connection doesn’t stop with the Panthers. Their AHL affiliate, the Charlotte Checkers, is currently competing for the Calder Cup, with several former Savannah players playing key roles in the postseason push.

If they win, Savannah could soon be celebrating another championship in the hockey ranks.